Antique Station Box with Dancing Dolls, Automata Strikers, Drum & Bells, probably by George Baker of Geneva, Switzerland, c. 1890
A large, impressive and highly entertaining “Station” music box that was most probably made by George Baker of Geneva in c. 1890.
The movement features three beautiful dancing dolls, as well as a drum and six bells struck by 3 automata strikers - 2 mandarins and one Arab, all of whom are colourfully painted and who move their heads as they play.
When a coin is inserted in the slot at the front, the movement has been adapted so that a light automatically turns on and the music box starts to play. The movement of the dolls is superb and very sprightly, and they are in great condition. The sound is likewise very jolly, which makes for a magnificent spectacle – and rightly so. These “De Gare” music boxes (as detailed on the original tunesheet) were designed to sit in Swiss railway stations and to entertain passengers while they waited. This one was no doubt particularly lucrative in that respect.
The rosewood veneered case is large and imposing, and has undergone an amount of restoration to put it in excellent condition. There are two pillars to the front, pierced fretwork sounding holes to the front and side, an ebonised plinth, and a very nice replacement pediment. The original tunesheet features above the movement inside the case, detailing the 10 airs the music box plays, including Lohengrin and William Tell.
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